Ja’Corey Brooks talks about facing Kool-Aid McKinstry in practice

Ja’Corey Brooks had nothing but praise for Kool-Aid McKinstry and the defensive back’s prowess during practice.

Throughout the 2023 season, Brooks is going to face a lot of teams top cornerbacks. However, he’ll be more than prepared, as the Alabama wide receiver gets to go up against the young star in McKinstry, and iron sharpens iron.

Earlier during spring practices, video surfaced of Brooks catching a touchdown over McKinstry, to which the Crimson Tide pass-catcher explained the defensive back has his fair share of wins in battle against Brooks, the videographer was just selective.

“Kool-Aid man, me and Kool-Aid battle in practice every day,” stated Brooks. “He wins some, they somehow just get the footage when I made the play. That next play, he caught a pick against me. But me and him, we’re going to go at it every practice. Terrion [Arnold] too.”

Additionally, Brooks gave a nice shoutout to fellow Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold as well, confirming his respect for the opposite side of the football’s athletes.

Over two seasons with the Crimson Tide, Brooks has accumulated 54 receptions for 866 receiving yards and ten touchdowns, with eight of them coming in 2022. He’ll be looking to build on that next season, hoping to slide into the top wide receiver role on the team.

Moreover, Brooks is a former four-star recruit from the 2021 recruiting cycle who was also the No. 29 overall recruit in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Meanwhile, McKinstry is a former five-star recruit who was the No. 17 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, so it’s easy to see how Brooks recognizes that the defender’s game helps make the wide receiver’s game better.

Continuing, Brooks talked with reporters about the differences going from Bill O’Brien to Tommy Rees as his offensive coordinator. Although there isn’t much “new” with the 30-year-old Rees taking over, he’s already relating to the players.

“I don’t to say too much is new, but it’s a lot different,” Brooks said. “I’ll say he’s more young, got a little more swag in him. … We can more relate.”

Rees arrives in Tuscaloosa after three years as Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator. A former Fighting Irish quarterback, he joined Brian Kelly’s staff as quarterbacks coach in 2017 and took over the offensive coordinator role following the departure of Chip Long.

It could be a big season for Ja’Corey Brooks. The future is bright for the Alabama star if he continues to cultivate his talent in 2023.